Suzuki to return to Malaysia, which models are coming?
Eric · Mar 24, 2020 01:51 PM
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With rumours circulating that Suzuki could be returning to Malaysia under the Naza Group of Companies, let’s take a closer look at what models could be introduced here.
Models that could sell well
Suzuki Swift
Quirky new looks
Our number one pick is the Suzuki Swift – a fun-to-drive and well-engineered hatchback that is currently in its third iteration.
Clean rear end
Globally, Suzuki offers the Swift with a wide range of powertrain options, including a naturally-aspirated unit, turbocharged unit, and a hybrid.
Within the ASEAN region (Thailand and Philippines), Suzuki offers the Swift with a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that does 83 PS and 108 Nm – far from ground-breaking figures, but when coupled with the Swift’s featherlight “Heartect” platform, performance is good enough for a darty little hatchback.
Think of the Suzuki Ignis as the little Perodua Axia – both cars are considered as entry-level models to the respective brands, and both have SUV-esque styled variants.
Like the Axia, the Ignis gets an SUV-esque variant as well
The little hatchback was first previewed as the iM-4 Concept at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, before evolving into the Ignis you see here.
Funky interior that matches the exterior
Suzuki introduced the facelifted Ignis in February 2020.
Japan also offers the Ignis with a 4WD drivetrain
Similar to the Swift, the Ignis can be had with a range of powertrains, including a mild hybrid system.
Suzuki Indonesia currently offers the Ignis with a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine mated to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic.
The all-new, fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny is a cute one.
Boxy, yet cute
Not only does Suzuki offer a narrow body 'kei' car version in Japan, the company also offers a wider, more powerful version called the Jimny Sierra.
Talk about customization options!
Recond car dealers have already brought in the Jimny, with prices ranging from RM 150,000 to an eye-watering RM 200,000.
Rivals: None
Suzuki Swift Sport
Swift Sport in its signature shade of yellow
No Suzuki wishlist is complete without the mention of the Swift Sport.
Sporty, without looking gaudy
Back in its heyday, Suzuki Malaysia offered the Swift Sport as a cheaper alternative to established hot hatches.
A lightly modified example. Photo credit: makoto_oosaki on Instagram
The new generation Swift Sport made its global debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine.
Suzuki Sport offers customization parts for the Swift Sport
Yes, Suzuki has ditched the long-serving 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated, high-revving engine in favour of a new turbocharged unit that does 140 PS and 230 Nm.
How to make an interior sporty? With a dash of red highlights, of course!
More recently, Suzuki has introduced a new Swift Sport Hybrid, which gets a 48V hybrid system that supplements the 1.4-litre engine.
Rivals: None
Models that may not work here
Suzuki Alto
Cute as it may be, the Alto isn't quite suitable for us
The Suzuki Alto is a kei car designed with Japanese consumers in mind.
At least it's practical
As such, not only are dimensions tiny, its 658-cc engine is puny by comparison (the cheapest Axia gets a 1.0-litre engine).
Did you know that Suzuki offers a hot Alto Works in Japan?
Furthermore, for the Alto to comply with Malaysia's mandatory UNECE vehicle type approval regulations, Naza would need to go through a lengthy process to homologate the Alto for the Malaysian market.
Spunky little Alto Works isn't for us, sadly
The same is applied to Suzuki’s range of kei cars, including the Spacia, Hustler, Solio, and Lapin.
How about no?
A couple of years ago, Suzuki Malaysia did offer the Alto for sale, but the old model was made in India, and apart from its name, had no similarities with the model sold in Japan.
Suzuki Ertiga
Better looking for sure, but isn't suitable for our market
As handsome as the new Ertiga may be, demand for MPVs in Malaysia is low compared to SUVs.
It's now built on the Heartect platform
Even when Proton offered the Ertiga some time back, sales were far from encouraging.
Wood trim, seriously?
Although the new Ertiga gains stability control, its paltry 2 airbag count and average interior detracts from an otherwise decent little package.
As such, it makes little sense for Naza to introduce the Ertiga here in Malaysia.
When will Suzuki cars be launched in Malaysia?
It's hard to say when will Suzuki return to Malaysia, as the decision for Suzuki to partner with Naza is not final, although odds are in their favour.
With that said, it is possible for Suzuki to return some time in 2021.
Started from the IT industry but somehow managed to find his way into the automotive industry. If he’s not gaming, he’s constantly tinkering with his daily/weekend car.